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VIDEO, PHOTOS: Two early goals help Middle get past LCM in Hall's Carpet Care Game of the Week

Posted: October 17th 2023

Lower Cape May's Kaitlyn McGuigan (left) and Middle Township's Gabby Oliver each try to win a ball in the area at the top of the Lady Tiger penalty area during Monday's game.

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

CapeAtlanticLive.com

ERMA – The Middle Township High School girls soccer team went into Monday’s game against local rival Lower Cape May having not yet scored a goal this calendar month, its last tally coming in a 1-0 win over Hammonton on Sept. 30.

So when the Lady Panthers tallied twice within the game’s first 10 minutes, it was clearly a welcome development for the team.

“That was really good for us,” Middle coach Mike Hickman said. “We’ve had a rough time these last four or five games. Those goals were important to take a little pressure off and breathe a little. It was very key for us.”

Middle rode those two early tallies to a 5-2 victory, its eighth straight against the Lady Tigers. The win snapped a four-game winless streak (three losses, one draw) for the Lady Panthers (7-6-1), who, as members of the Cape-Atlantic League’s most competitive conference, the American, have faced an extremely difficult schedule for a Group II school.

The victory came over a Lower Cape May team that has enjoyed one of the best seasons in recent program history. The Lady Tigers (12-2) are winners of the CAL’s United Conference and will play in a CAL Tournament semifinal game Wednesday at home against Egg Harbor Township.

“Lower’s had a great season. They’ve really done a great job,” Hickman said. “The kids on these teams are all friends with each other, so we know all about the kind of year they’ve had. Anytime you can come in and do well against a division champion, you’re proud of it and you’re happy with it. Lower’s had a very good year this year so we’re very happy to be able to come in here and get a win.”

Carmen O’Hara and Izzy Miller got the two early goals for Middle. Katelyn Bailey pulled one back for Lower Cape May on a terrific chip shot from the right flank that passed just under the crossbar.

Middle’s Gabby Oliver restored her team’s two-goal advantage just before the half on a wonderful bending strike from outside the penalty area.

“When we did get that goal to make it 2-1, I think there was a shift in the momentum a little bit,” Lower coach Darren Rutherford said. “We were holding well and playing good team defense. But then that third one was a little deflating. That third one went in, and that put us behind the eight ball again.”

Middle extended its lead to 5-1 in the second half on goals scored in similar fashion by Grace Repici and Olivia Sgrignioli, each player assisting the other via outstanding balls played through the middle of the field that sent each in alone on goal.

Lower’s Tessa Hueber rounded out the scoring with a shot from distance in the final five minutes.

“I’m proud of our girls because even when we got behind we tried to continue to create and push and move forward,” Rutherford said.

Keily Sanchez contributed two assists for Middle.

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Lower Cape May goalkeeper Meredith Lutjen makes a diving stop as Middle Township's Izzy Miller.

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Middle Township's Kate Grier accepts a drop pass from teammate Sophia Sgrignioli (14).

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Lower Cape May's Sianna King races forward ahead of Middle Township's Keily Sanchez.

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Lower Cape May's Katelyn Bailey prepares to send a shot that resulted in a goal as Middle Township's Brooke Nabb closes.

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Lower Cape May's Bella Lund is pressured by Middle Township's Izzy Miller.

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Middle Township's Grace Repici has space to run toward goal.

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Middle Township's Sophia Sgrignioli looks to cross the ball as Lower Cape May's Katelyn Bailey defends.

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Lower Cape May's Kaitlyn McGuigan looks to clear as Middle Township's Parker Milstead pressures.

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Lower Cape May's Braelyn Brant turns in the midfield.

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Middle Township's Gabby Oliver runs through the midfield with possession ahead of Lower Cape May's Julia Deignan.

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Middle Township's Keily Sanchez looks to head the ball out of the midfield.

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Middle Township's Olivia Sgrignioli (right) battles with Lower Cape May's Bella Lund.

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Middle Township's Parker Milstead goes toward goal as Lower Cape May's Katelyn Bailey gives chase.

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